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Doc reverses 'catastrophic' Macraes mine decision
The Department of Conservation has reversed a decision that would have been "catastrophic" for OceanaGold’s Macraes mine and put hundreds of jobs at risk.
Hamish MacLean
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Rare oarfish found on Dunedin beach
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Oarfish found on Dunedin beach 'not a harbinger of doom'
An oarfish that recently washed up on Aramoana Beach is likely not a "harbinger of doom", but it is "certainly an unusual sight and a special one", the Department of Conservation says.
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Doubt if ORC can manage pest species
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Doubt if ORC can manage pest species
The regional council may not have the resources required to combat pests in Otago, a councillor says.
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Councillors split over Te Mana o te Wai
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Councillors split over Te Mana o te Wai
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has welcomed consultation on national freshwater policies, but some councillors pushed back against Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, who said previous provisions...
School didn't go to police over major theft
School didn't go to police over major theft
A Dunedin secondary school decided not to contact police after discovering a staff member "misappropriated" almost $365,000 over five years.
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Countries agree on seabird protection
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Countries agree on seabird protection
The 13 member countries of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (Acap) have agreed to engage with the fisheries that are decimating seabird numbers, the Department of...
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Dolphin catch increase could be ‘random’
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Dolphin catch increase could be ‘random’
A sixfold increase in dolphin captures since the introduction of onboard cameras could be due to a range of factors, including "random fluctuations", Seafood New Zealand says.
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Better sea bird protection sought amid ‘crisis’
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Better sea bird protection sought amid ‘crisis’
NZ is seeking better protection for seabirds from high-seas fisheries amid a "conservation crisis" at a meeting of 13 countries in Dunedin this week, Doc says.
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Opinions split on inland port sites
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Opinions split on inland port sites
An inland port in Mosgiel would overwhelm the suburb’s roads and fail to accommodate the demand from industry attracted to the area, a city councillor says.
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‘Pros and cons’ to time-limiting St Clair all-day parks
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‘Pros and cons’ to time-limiting St Clair all-day parks
Proposed parking changes at St Clair Beach present "pros and cons" for surfers, but nearby businesses could benefit from an end to people taking up a parking spot all day.
Trading big game for ducks
Trading big game for ducks
You will be aiming for mallards if you want the best-tasting duck tacos this weekend, 17-year-old Nathan Wade says.
Canadian hikers claim to spot moose in South Island
Canadian hikers claim to spot moose in South Island
Three Canadian hikers say they saw what they believe to be a moose as they completed the Kepler Track in Fiordland last month.
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Council decides against catchment analysis
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Council decides against catchment analysis
Otago regional councillors have decided against a proposed review of the Waitaki River’s management.
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Exemption granted for bike racks
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Exemption granted for bike racks
An official exemption has been granted, but the end to Otago’s ban on using bike racks on buses has not seen daylight just yet.
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Councillors divided over handling water issues
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Councillors divided over handling water issues
One regional councillor says seeking legislative changes to address gaps in Otago’s water plan is a "terrible solution".
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Draft 10-year public transport plan ‘quite progressive’
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Draft 10-year public transport plan ‘quite progressive’
Otago's blueprint for public transport remains "quite progressive" despite central government driving in the other direction, a regional councillor says.
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Aurora to assess its resilience
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Aurora to assess its resilience
Aurora Energy says it will soon begin its own analysis to see how climate change could affect its network.
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Insurance flood cover not a given in South Dunedin
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Insurance flood cover not a given in South Dunedin
Insurance companies have warned if nothing is done to improve South Dunedin’s increasing flood risk some property owners could find coverage becomes unavailable.
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ORC to continue investment
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ORC to continue investment
Despite concern from some councillors, the Otago Regional Council will continue to invest in Rio Tinto for now rather than "cherry-picking" the companies in its portfolio.
Queenstown Lakes residents sick of ‘hopium’
Queenstown Lakes residents sick of ‘hopium’
Queenstown Lakes residents are wary of proposals providing a false sense of hope in the face of ongoing pressure as the fastest-growing district in Otago, a regional councillor says.